I2 Clarity Diamonds

An I2 clarity grade is on low end of the diamond clarity scale. I2 diamonds, while affordable, have visible inclusions that can affect the diamond’s beauty and brilliance. These diamonds are not recommended for engagement rings due to their noticeable blemishes. However, they might be suitable for smaller side stones where inclusions are less noticeable. Prices for a 1 carat I2 diamond can range from approximately $1,900 to $2,800, but remember, the beauty and brilliance of the diamond could be compromised.

Read on to learn more about I2 diamonds, their prices, and the best clarity grade for each diamond shape.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What is I2 diamodn clarity?
Are I2 diamonds wroth buying?
How much do I2 diamonds cost?
I2 diamonds on the diamond clarity scale
What is the difference between I2 adn I1 diamond clarity?
What diamond inclusions to avoid
What is the best diamond clarity for each shape?

What’s The Meaning Of Diamond Clarity I2?

Due to the intense heat and pressure that diamonds face during their formation, they all have imperfections. Some imperfections are visible, while others are not. With I2 diamonds, inclusions and blemishes are easily visible under magnification and by the naked eye.

The large and/or many imperfections in I2 diamonds impede how well light travels through and reflects off of the diamond. The level of brilliance and fire suffers—leaving the diamond looking dull. I2 diamonds also have glaring blemishes that you’ll see every time you look at the diamond. That’s why we strongly advise against I2 diamonds for engagement rings. You’re better off spending slightly more to get an eye-clean diamond in the VS2, SI1, or even SI2 clarity. You’ll save money by not paying for a high-graded diamond, but still get one that’s eye-clean.

I2 diamonds are included diamonds to the 2nd degree and have visible imperfections under magnification and to the naked eye. Inclusions and blemishes at this level impact transparency, beauty, and brilliance. Not only do the imperfections impede how light travels through the stone, they are an obvious distraction when looking at the diamond.

Inclusions in an I2 diamond might include black features, carbon clusters, and graining. Even white inclusions at the I2 level are obvious and detract from the diamond’s beauty and brilliance. With Included diamonds (I1-I3), you also run the risk of a less durable stone that’s more prone to chipping. With imperfections like cavities and feathers, the diamond’s composition isn’t as solid.

As the GIA explains:

“Diamonds in the I clarity range—I2 or I3 in particular—can sometimes have durability issues. Make sure your diamond doesn’t have large chips or fractures (feathers) at the girdle or the tips, because these could make the stone more vulnerable to breaking. Any feathers that a diamond has should preferably be contained within the stone and not surface-reaching.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Are I2 Diamonds Worth Buying?

Even if I2 diamonds have a low price, they’re not worth buying because they have glaring blemishes that detract from its beauty and brilliance. Prices are low on I2 diamonds for a reason—because they aren’t good quality. In fact, most reputable jewelers won’t even have I2 diamonds for sale.

The exception is for side stones or the smaller diamonds on a pavé band like this one from Blue Nile. Because these diamonds are so small, you won’t even notice if they’re included. In fact, there’s no need to pay for a higher clarity grade because it won’t be noticed.

Why you should trust us

To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.

pave diamond ring for I2 clarity example — Pave Engagement Ring

For the center stone on engagement rings, we advise against diamonds in the I1-I3 range. You’re better off paying for a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond that’s eye-clean. You’ll pay more than for an I2 diamond, but the difference will be tremendous. You’ll still save hundreds or thousands by not buying a higher graded diamond like VVS and FL diamonds.

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4 Reasons to Steer Clear of I2 Diamonds

We know that diamond’s clarity isn’t the most important factor in its beauty (diamond cut is). But you should still look for a diamond without glaring imperfections.

Here are four main reasons that an I2 diamond is not a smart purchase.

Every time you look at the diamond, you’ll see the imperfection(s).
The diamond lacks brilliance because the imperfections block the path of light.
An I2 diamond has little to no trade-in or resale value
Large inclusions weaken the stone—making it more prone to chipping.

I2 Diamond Prices

The price for a well-cut round 1 carat diamond in the G-I diamond color range with I2 clarity is approximately $1,900-$2,800. I2 diamond prices are lower than eye-clean diamonds because they have noticeable blemishes and inclusions. Most reliable jewelers don’t have I2 diamonds for sale, though, because the quality is so low.

Even if you’ll save money with an I2 diamond, it’s not worth it, as you’ll have a stone with blemishes. You’re better off paying for an eye-clean diamond in the VS2-SI2 range. For instance, this stunning round 1 carat SI1/I diamond from Blue Nile costs $3,490, and this 1 carat princess cut VS2/I color only costs $3,090 at Blue Nile. In other words, you can still save money going for a lower clarity grade—without getting noticeable blemishes like in I2 diamonds.

round cut si1 example for i2 article — Eye-Clean Round Cut SI1 Diamond Ring

Diamond sellers like James Allen or Blue Nile have HD magnified photos so you can review each diamond up-close to see which ones are eye-clean at the lower clarity grades. You can also have an expert assist you in your search.

A great service, they really made the purchasing process easy. I would recommend to anyone. Veronika was super helpful and responsive. She gives you confidence that you are making the right decision. My partner was VERY happy with the final product – what more can you ask? The diamond guides are very interesting and useful too.

Will Marsden

Dec 25, 2022

Excellent info and education about Diamonds. Unbiased opinions and advice. Highly recommend the content on their site before making a Diamond purchase. They even offer one on one service via email for advice and recommendation.

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Feb 1, 2023

Diamond Clarity – A Quick Overview

Before a diamond goes on the market, a gemologist looks at it under magnification to determine its clarity grade. The grade depends on the size, type, and location of blemishes and inclusions. In general, diamonds with more inclusions, bigger inclusions and darker blemishes have a lower grade.

Here’s the GIA’s clarity scale from best to worst:

Flawless (FL)
Internally Flawless (IF)
Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1)
Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2)
Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)
Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)
Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)
Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)
Inclusions 1 (I1)
Inclusions 2 (I2)

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I1 vs. I2 Diamonds

I1 and I2 diamonds are next to each other on the clarity scale, with I1 diamonds being slightly better. I1 clarity have noticeable inclusions and so do I2 diamonds, but the imperfections will be even more noticeable in an I2. For example, they might be darker or more clustered together. In general, all Included (I1-I3) diamonds will have obvious imperfections.

Diamond Clarity I2-I3

I2 diamonds are one grade better than I3 diamonds. An I3 diamond is the lowest grade on the clarity scale and will have even more noticeable inclusions than I2 diamonds. Because these imperfections detract from the brilliance and beauty of the diamond, we do not recommend I3 diamonds either.

Diamond Inclusions To Avoid

You should avoid diamond inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. Because they are obvious when you look at the stone, they detract from the beauty of the diamond. They can also get in the way of how light passes through and reflects off of the diamond.

There are many kinds of inclusions, from graining to feathers. While there’s no best or worst type of inclusion, you typically want to avoid ones that are dark, in the center of the diamond, or ones that are clustered together. These traits usually make them more noticeable.

Best Diamond Clarity By Shape

Getting the best value for clarity depends on your shape and carat weight.

Round cuts and princess cuts: A VS2 or SI1 clarity will give you an eye-clean diamond. You can sometimes even find an SI2 without visible imperfections. For large diamonds, a VS1-VS2 is more likely to be eye-clean.

Radiant cuts, cushion cuts, marquise, oval cuts, and pear shapes: These diamond shapes hide inclusions better than others. Opt for an SI1-SI2 to make the most of your budget.

radiant si1 diamond for i2 diamond example — Eye-clean SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond

Heart shaped diamonds: You should be able to find an eye-clean VS2 or SI1 diamond, because heart shaped diamonds hide inclusions better than Round Cuts, but not as well as Oval or Cushion Cuts.

Asscher cuts, emerald cuts, and baguettes: A VS2 in these shapes will give you the best value, as step cut diamonds show imperfections more readily.

I2 Diamonds: Not Recommended

You can find eye-clean diamonds at great price points if you shop with a reputable online vendor like Blue Nile or James Allen. There’s no reason to reduce the quality of your engagement ring to an I2 diamond.

By choosing an I2 diamond, you’ll end up with a less than beautiful stone—defeating the purpose of buying a diamond altogether.

Instead, look for an eye-clean stone in the lowest clarity grade. You’ll save hundreds or thousands over a better-graded diamond. You can then spend more of your budget on the most important quality: the diamond’s cut.

For help finding the best value for clarity and color, send us a note.

Here are more specific clarity topics to browse:

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What we love about them:

No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
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Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisal
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About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.